Gilas Pilipinas women after wrapping up their Fiba Asia Cup Level 1 campaign. FIBA BASKETBALL
MANILA, Philippines—It was an arduous trek but Pat Aquino and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas Women will leave Jordan with the weight lifted off their shoulders.
The Philippines broke its winless curse in the 2021 Fiba Asian Women’s Cup when it beat India, 74-70, in the 7th-8th classification.
Gilas Women’s win broke their three-game skid in the tournament while also cementing their place in the Level A rankings of Fiba.
“I know for the past three games we were struggling definitely, but today I know they played together and as a team. It was a good victory for us,” said Aquino. “I’m really so happy being here and competing with the girls. Us bringing them out here even with all those bubble trainings and coming here, I’m just so proud of the girls.”
“Hopefully, we can do it every time there is this kind of tournament. The goal of this team is to compete and compete and play well with the very best.”
The Philippines’ game against India had a proverbial do-or-die label as a winless stint in the continental tournament will relegate Gilas to Level II.
Fortunately for Gilas, Janine Pontejos and Khate Castillo delivered hitting a combined 11 three-pointers and scoring 22 points apiece.
Afril Bernardino also came away with a near 5×5 line after posting nine points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and four blocks.
“I’m just so happy. I’m very, very happy with the girls. They didn’t stop competing,” said Aquino.